Universal personal emergency information notification and reporting system and method

ABSTRACT

An emergency power supply system for providing hydraulic power and electric power in an aircraft includes a fuel cell having an electric outlet for providing electric power, a conversion unit couplable with at least one of an AC bus and a DC bus and the electric outlet, and at least one hydraulic pump having a reconfigurable electric motor and a motor control unit and being couplable with a hydraulic system for providing hydraulic power. The conversion unit is adapted for converting a supply voltage of the electrical outlet to at least one of an AC voltage matching a predetermined voltage at the AC bus and a DC voltage matching a predetermined voltage at the DC bus. The reconfigurable electric motor is couplable with the fuel cell and the AC bus and is adapted for being operated by the supply of electric power either from the fuel cell or the AC bus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to wearable wireless communication devices andmethods of utilizing such devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Every day millions of people engage in activities where their bodies areexposed to risks of varying intensity and cause, either external or dueto underlying medical conditions. These risks may limit one's ability ordesire to perform tasks such as those related to common everyday living,occupational functions or for the purposes of recreation.

It is generally recognized that in cases of a medical emergency thosewith an underlying medical conditions often wear or carry medicalidentification jewelry or information cards to facilitate medical carein the case of medical emergency or other events. Such devices areuseful for the purposes of providing valuable information about thewearer in case of an event that would require medical attention. Howeversuch solutions are merely an informational queue for persons attemptingto assist the wearer such as a first-responder, emergency medicaltechnician, paramedic or simply a member of the general public acting inthe capacity of a Good Samaritan. Furthermore, the amount of informationsuch devices may hold, often in a non-digital, human-observable form, islimited by the small form-factor.

Other devices available in the prior art surrounding the addressing ofmedical response needs are available in the form of a help-call buttonmounted at strategic points within a facility or home. Alternatively,such devices may be worn and activated by the user or other personsassisting the wearer in order to summon emergency medical servicepersonnel. The problem with such solutions stem from the need foractivation that may occur following an event which prevents the userfrom being able to perform such actions. Furthermore, although previousmedical information may be available, actionable data pertaining to thecurrent event is unavailable to provide summoned medical personnel.Further still, such permit little mobility in the sense that thehelp-call buttons are typically hard wired or, in the case of theuser-worn variety, offer a limited range of communication.

There are several commercially available medical data storageapplications that are configured as jewelry or clothing elements andallow a wearer or emergency responders to access medical records storedwithin said applications. Additionally, there are several applicationsconfigured to allow a wearer to signal the emergency responders andsummon assistance. However, there is a lack of a practical applicationconfigured with sensors and reporting means to alert the wearer or theemergency responders of a sensor-detected condition exceeding apredetermined threshold and predicted to present a medically urgentcondition, and further configured to communicate the wearer data andinformation to the emergency responders.

Other devices in the prior art surrounding the need for notification tofamily members, caretakers, and other intended recipients in the case ofneed for assistance such as in an emergency revolve permit a nearlyunlimited range by providing communication to a centralized service bymeans of satellite communication. These devices, however, provide a usera limited selection of communication options stemming from a series ofpre-written messages by the user to be sent when the user actuates oneof a series of buttons. Furthermore, some devices known in the prior artalso require a substantially clear view of the sky, limiting theapplication of such a device to outdoors and away from large structures.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1A. Preferred embodiment of the Identification Device

FIG. 1B. Preferred embodiment of the open Identification Device

FIG. 2. Identification Device embodiment on wrist

FIG. 3 Identification Device alternative embodiment

FIG. 4 Diagram of Embodiment of Communication System Related to WearableDevice

FIG. 5A Flowchart of Communicative Steps Taken in Association withStorage of and Access to Data in Embodiment of System

FIG. 5B Flowchart of Communicative Steps Taken in Association withDelivery of Notification to Third Party in Embodiment of System

FIG. 5C Flowchart of Communicative Steps Taken in Association withDelivery of Geolocation Information to Third Party in Embodiment ofSystem

NUMERICAL REFERENCES IN FIGURES

-   1. Identification Device (“ID”) embodiment-   2. Long-Range Communications (“LRC”) device or cellular phone    embodiment.-   3. Remote Information and Communications Center embodiment-   4. Emergency Medical Service (“EMR”)-   11. RF Transmitter-   12. Networked Data Center embodiment-   13. Mobile Software Application embodiment-   14. Clasp Embodiment-   15. Button Embodiment-   16. ID tag Embodiment

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus andpreferred method of using said apparatus to create a portable diagnosticreporting system configured with data storage, sensors, processing, andtransmission means to notify intended recipients of collected andprewritten user data. Generally, the preferred embodiment of theinvention comprises a system and method implemented in situations wherean individual or a plurality of users of an identification and datastorage device discussed herein, recognize the value of the transmissionof prerecorded information or collected data to recipients.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is intended as anidentification device providing a means to store and record user data,detection of a physiological event, means to alert the user of eventoccurrence, and a means of communication of the event occurrence andwearer's data to a communication device, such as a mobile telephone, toenable communication of collected and stored data to intendedrecipients.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention are configured to employdirect-to-mobile communications devices to report the user's data andmore specifically to store and transmit the data and alert local arearecipients/responders of useful personal information or access toimportant health or contact information in the case of an emergency, orin the case of, for example, other adverse biometric, climatic,atmospheric or battlefield conditions as intended by the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION DEFINITIONS

-   MEMS—micro-electric mechanical system.-   EEPROM—electrically erasable programmable read-only memory.-   BLE—Bluetooth Low Energy-   BLEC—Bluetooth Low Energy to Classic Converter-   RF—radiofrequency-   Cloud Computing—using multiple server computers via a digital    network, as though they were one computer.

A device embodying the inventive principles of the invention comprises apower supply, at least one sensor, a processing unit, memory storage andcommunication means, solves the problems surrounding providingactionable data to intended recipients who intend to provide assistanceto the user of said device. Said device records at least information setrelevant to the user and saves it to memory storage. Sets of informationinclude but are not limited to user's physiological and environmentalinformation such as body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, andperspiration. Enabled by the processing unit, at a predetermined eventindicated directly by said information sets or the analysis thereof, thedevice utilizes the communication means to contact a remote recipient.Said recipient or plurality thereof, includes but is not limited toemergency medical service providers, family members, medical careproviders, co-workers or anybody present to provide assistance to theuser as necessary. Furthermore, the user may initiate the communicationof said information sets manually if it is so desired. Further still,the device may be configured to allow the constant streaming ofinformation sets or permit the request for data by a pre-approved entitysuch as a user's primary care physician.

The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an identificationdevice 1 (“ID”),configured as a wearable article such as a piece ofjewelry (bracelet, anklet, necklace) or article of clothing, worn by awearer. Said ID 1 comprises of a power source, a control means, amicroprocessor, memory storage, one or more sensing modules, and a meansfor short-range communication, herein referred to as an SRC, atransceiver, and an interface means. Furthermore, ID 1 iscommunicatively configured via the SRC with a Long Range Communicationdevice herein referred to as an LRC. An LRC may comprise of acommunication device with internet, cellular, or satellite communicationconnectivity capable of receiving and transmitting information throughlong range communication protocols including but not limited to cellularnetwork, internet protocol, satellite communications and radio.

In an embodiment of the invention, the ID comprises of a wrist worndevice with a sensor array, power supply, signal processing unit, memoryand an SRC module. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art thatpower supply refers to a source of electrical power, such as a batteryor a capacitor. Said power source configuration allows the embodiment tobe replaced or recharged as necessary. The preferred embodiment of thewrist worn device further comprises a clasp mechanism 14 to accomplishfastening to the wearer's wrist or other clothing or accessories worn bythe wearer.

LRC is configured as a communication device operating with a mobilesoftware application 13 to process signal communications from the ID,and capable of receiving and/or transmitting RF and other wirelesscommunications (E.g. WiFi, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy® or otherLow Energy technology transmitter such as ANT+® or Zigbee®) in thefrequency range of the means for short-range wireless communication 105,and capable of wired or wireless long-range communications in a mannerthat allows for communicating with emergency responders or computernetworks. The LRC within this embodiment comprises of one of a number ofdevices including but not limited to a Bluetooth enabled cellulartelephone or a portable satellite telephone, capable of datatransmission to emergency responders.

In such embodiment as described in the preceding paragraph, the ID ispaired with a specific LRC device, preferably the cellular telephone ofthe user, user's spouse or a parent if the user of the ID is a child. Inan embodiment of the invention, the pairing of the ID to an LRC isenables such that if it is desired, the users may pair a plurality of IDdevices to a singular phone, a singular ID to a plurality of phones or aplurality of ID devices to a plurality of LRCs. When communication isinitiated, the ID transmits the information to an LRC which is thentransmitted to an external system. The external systems include but arenot limited remote information and communications centers, 3^(rd) partyEMS services, medical care providers such as a primary care physicianand rescue workers.

Said remote information and communications center 3, Cloud, comprises ofa networked data center capable of receiving communications from the LRCmeans 12 and processing the data to determine the nature of the eventoccurrence. Furthermore, the LRC is capable of data storage, includingwearer's medical records and personal information, and based on the datacontained in the event occurrence communication configured to selectoptimal EMS 4. Said optimal EMS being one that is geographically locatedclose to the wearer 1000 and capable of responding to the specific typeof event occurrence as detected by the sensor means 104.

The preferred embodiment of the device incorporates a button 15. Thebutton is designed for easy access by the wearer or a third party thatcomes upon the wearer. Upon pressing the button, the communicativeprocesses described further in the flowcharts included herein as FIG.5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C are initiated. A primary purpose of the buttonis to provide a one step process, namely pressing the button, toinitiate processes to deliver important data associated with the wearerto concerned parties, including family, friends and emergencyresponders. In an embodiment of the invention, an ID tag 16 isincorporated within the design. The ID tag 16 in varying embodimentsincorporates personal data about the user, including “Protected HealthInformation” as that term is described in the Health InsurancePortability and Accountability Act. In an embodiment, the ID tag 16 isprogrammable and exchangeable, so that the ID tag 16 may be replaced orreprogrammed with more updated information, to ensure that theinformation contained within and on the ID tag 16 about the wearerremains up to date. The ID tag 16 may also include human-readableinformation about the wearer on the exterior casing.

In one embodiment, the ID paired with an LRC 12 such as a mobilecellular device, is capable of employing the mobile software application13 in conjunction with mapping and geopositioning mobile softwareapplications, such as those produced by Google, to select an optimal EMSand transmit the wearer's data along with the event occurrence datadirectly to the selected EMS.

The memory storage means of the ID 1 being operationally connected to asignal processing unit for receiving, storing, and transmitting (1) datarelevant to the wearer, including but not limited to gender, height,weight, age, medical records and other “Personal Health Information” asthat term is defined in the Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act, (2) sensor data from sensor module, and (3)communication data relating to transmissions and receptions from theLRC.

An embodiment of the invention features sensing modules being configuredto be external to the ID 1, where the external configuration features awearable sensing module communicatively connected to the ID 1. Saidconnection being a direct contact (wired) or a wireless connectionallowing the sensing module is a removable plug-in attachment,attachable to the ID 1, enabling the wearer to attach different types ofsensors to the ID 1 depending on the risks associated with the intendedactivity.

The sensing module further comprises one sensor or a plurality ofsensors, preferably a two- or three-axis accelerometer configured todetect linear accelerations, motion, position, and impacts sustained bythe wearer. Alternatively, the sensor array may further include but isnot limited to the following sensors or a combination thereof; MEMS orpiezoelectric accelerometers, force or strain gauges or transducers,force sensing textiles, thermocouples, thermistors, pyrometers, electricpotential sensors, microphones, silicon piezoresistive pressure sensor,sensors for climatic data, biometric data, and the presence or chemicalparticle levels of nerve agents, poisonous gasses, bioweapons, oxygen,and a means for detecting and measuring sonic, percussive and orconcussive results of explosions.

Additionally, the sensing module comprises a signal processor or amultiplicity of signal processors interfaced with the sensing elementsof the sensing module. Generally, the signal processor, preferablyintegrated into the ID processing logic, is configured for any number offunctions including filtering low frequency signals and analog todigital or digital to analog signal conversion where appropriate.

In an embodiment of the invention, the ID 1, in combination with thesensing module further comprises a central processing unit, data memorybuffer, data logger, fixed or removable flash memory unit, configured toreceive, process, and record both signals and processed data fromsensing module, process said data to determine if a triggering eventoccurrence has taken place, and if it has, commence an alarm sequence,said alarm sequence being configured to produce audible, visual, and/ortactile alarm utilizing control and interface means of the ID 1, wherethe wearer would be alerted to the event occurrence by sounding of analarm, flashing of lights, or the vibration of the ID. Should the wearerfail to cancel the alarm within a predetermined amount of time (in thepreferred embodiment, 10 seconds, though the time period may vary inother embodiments), ID 1 would employ the SRC means to transmit thealarm to the LRC means, which would utilize a mobile softwareapplication to employ the audible, visual, and/or tactile means of theLRC to alert the wearer to the alarm, and present the wearer with theoption of canceling the alarm via the LRC interface means—having the LRCtransmit a “cancel alarm” signal to the ID 1.

If the wearer does not cancel the alarm within an additionalpredetermined period (in the preferred embodiment, 20 seconds, thoughthe time period may vary in other embodiments) utilizing either the IDor the LRC, the ID will transmit a second signal to the LRC, includingsuch information as the wearer's personal information and encryptedmedical records data. The LRC will then transmit said signal to eitherEMS or a Cloud service configured to process said data, determine thetype of event occurrence and determine the most appropriate deploymentof EMS responders based on the location of the wearer and the eventtype.

In an embodiment, the ID may be configured to periodically repeat datatransmissions until the confirmation of receipt and or useracknowledgment is received from the LRC upon the expiration of a presetmaximum alert time or transmittal attempts, or predetermined time forwearer acknowledgment. The ID is configured to attempt transmittingun-encrypted version of the data to any other LRC equipped with softwareand processing logic to receive data signals emitted from the ID, wheresuch secondary LRC devices would both alert their users of the eventoccurrence and automatically pass the alert to the emergency responders,effectively commandeering the secondary LRC to transmit an emergencyalarm to the emergency responders. Optionally, the Cloud would storeeither a duplicate or additional records corresponding to a wearer,providing backup storage and having ability to ensure that the filestransmitted to the EMS are not incomplete due to some error in theoperation of the ID. In this embodiment, the ID would periodicallyemploy the LRC to synch the files stored on the ID with the files storedon the Cloud service.

In an embodiment, the ID is configured to receive a data transmissionprompt from the LRC device via the RF receiver. Such a prompt would betransmitted from a paired LRC device, conveying predetermined userconfirmation and authorization for the ID to transmit data stored on theremovable storage memory to the prompting LRC device via the RFtransmitter.

An embodiment features a means for determining the geographic positionof the wearer and the ID via either a geopositional detector as a partof the sensing module 104, or by employing a geopositional meansintegral to the LRC 2, where the ID communicatively paired with a RFcapable global positioning system (“GPS”), periodically updates thewearer's data with the location and the time of the update by sending aninquiry to the GPS device and receiving the location data.Alternatively, the LRC 2 is configured with a software application thatattaches the geopositional data from a LRC integral GPS to any messagesent to EMS.

In an embodiment, the ID 1 additionally comprises a RF transmitter, ortransceiver communicatively interfaced with the processing unit, datamemory buffer, data logger, and the flash memory unit to allow fortransmission of the stored wearer's data and the collected eventoccurrence data to a receiving device, a long-range communicationsdevice 2. Furthremore, said RF transceiver allows the receipt ofcommands, requests for data transmission, and confirmation signals fromthe LRC device 2 for the data transmission from ID's SRC means to thelong-range communications means LRC 2. Said SRC and LRC 2 means may beemployed to upload wearer's data or files to ID 1 or to access anddownload said data to the computing device comprising the LRC 2.

In an embodiment, the ID 1 is configured with software and processinglogic configured to (1) utilize the RF transceiver to transmit datarelating to event occurrence; (2) utilize the RF transceiver to confirmthe receipt of said transmission by the long-range communications device105 or periodically resend the data either until confirmation isreceived or for a preset period of time; (3) if there is no confirmationwithin the preset period of time, re-encode the transmission of theevent occurrence for an immediate alert to emergency responders andattempt a transmission to any long-range communications device in thevicinity of the ID and capable of relying the data to the emergencyresponders; and (4) utilize the RF transceiver to accept prompts totransmit any data stored within the ID 1 via the RF transmitter and makesaid data available for access.

In an embodiment, the LRC 2 is configured to receive transmissions inthe frequency range of the said RF transmitter 11, and being configuredwith software and processing logic configured to receive and store thecollected event occurrence data and employ any of the LRC user interfacefunctionalities including audible, visual, or tactile to alert the userof an impact that exceeds a preset acceleration threshold.

In an embodiment, the LRC 2 is configured with software and processinglogic to require user input to acknowledge the receipt of the saidalert/alarm (optionally trigger a means to summon EMS); and furtherbeing configured with software and processing logic to alert emergencyresponders and summon assistance if the user fails to acknowledge thereceipt of the said alert.

In an embodiment, the LRC 2 is configured with software and processinglogic to allow the user review of stored impact data utilizing said userinterface functionalities, specifically visual display capabilities anddesignate any of the data for transmission or download to a remotecomputer or network storage device. Such configuration enables the userto transmit data via the LRC to a cloud computer server where the datais analyzed with predetermined algorithms and analytics to providerelevant, actionable and decision supporting data in form easily viewedby the user or other involved personnel interacting with the user. Suchgenerated information from raw data streams from information sets may beviewed with a computing device, smart phone or even via the ID insimplified yet informative form.

An embodiment is configured with a means for programming, storing, andtransmittal/reporting of (emergency) information of a person or object1000. A wearable ID 1 is configured for detection of an event or aphysical triggering event (e.g. wearer appropriate button on the ID) andlocally signaling an alarm to the wearer's LRC such as a cellular phone2 (or nearby cell phone) via the SRC module 105. If the wearer 1000fails to respond to the alarm via a control and interface means such asthe LRC or appropriate button on the ID to either cancel the alarm orrequest the transmission of the alarm, the transmission is executed viathe SRC module 105 to an LRC 2, configured to transmit the alarm to aremote information and communications center 3 and/or an emergencyresponse means 4.

An embodiment comprises a personal and emergency identification device,ID 1, comprising of at least one electronic memory storage device,processor, sensor, and wireless transmission module operationallyconnected to one or more persons or objects and capable of beingprogrammed with identification information of said person or object andreporting said information to an external receiving device. Said ID 1being capable of producing and transmitting a first set of signals, analarm, comprising information representing properties of said emergencyor other designated electronic information.

In an embodiment, the LRC 2 is configured with a processor in signalcommunication with a memory storage device, which is programmed tocapture and record said wearer's information over a wireless or directconnection to a computer or cellular phone and store it on the memorystorage device to until a predetermined time such as when the device ispowered on (an event occurrence) to produce a second signal to anotherreceiving device 2 of said data representing the personal storedinformation; the Wearer presses a button on bracelet (ID 1) for apredetermined prolonged period (5 seconds) allowing data to beprogrammed into the bracelet for storage. Once programmed, the braceletis in a dormant/sleep mode until the event occurrence, or when thewearer or other person assisting the user presses bracelet activationbutton which then causes the processor to wake and send the storedpersonal data via wireless to the wearer's or any other nearby cellphone.

The control means, being configured with the interface means 106, allowsfor interface between the ID 1 and the user audibly, visually, ortactilely. Said interface means comprising a toggle to power on or offthe ID, an audible means to alert the wearer of any number of parametersand events, an event occurrence alarm, a communication transmission orreception, or low power level. Said interface means further comprising amicrophone, allowing the wearer audibly communicate instructions to theID 1, for example requesting the communication to summon the EMS 4assistance.

Said control means being configured and interface means 106 furtherbeing configured with a detecting means to detect the integrity ofcontact between the wearer and ID 1. Such detection means preferablybeing a pressure sensor or an optical proximity sensor attached to thecontact side of the ID 1. Alternatively, said detection means may beconfigured as another means for detecting human body activity, such aspulse oximetry, near-infrared spectroscopy, electromyography means,echocardiography means, plethysmography means, orelectroencephalography. The ID 1 being configured where the lack ofintegrity of contact between the wearer and ID 1 would cause the ID togo into a “sleep mode” or power down to preserve battery power.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that at least in partthe data transmission from the ID 1 may be encrypted with 128 WPA byother data encryption means. For example, wearer's name, physicaldescription, and location would not be encrypted and would be availablefor viewing on the cellular telephone device; however, the wearer'smedical records would not, and would only be available for viewing whenreceived by the EMS 4.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have beendescribed. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates thatvarious modifications and changes can be made without departing from thescope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly,the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrativerather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of present teachings.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) thatmay cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is definedsolely by the appended claims including any amendments made during thependency of this application and all equivalents of those claims asissued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second,top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish oneentity or action from another entity or action without necessarilyrequiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between suchentities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”,“having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, suchthat a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has,includes, contains a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherentto such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by“comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . .a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence ofadditional identical elements in the process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms“a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly statedotherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”,“approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined asbeing close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Theterms “coupled” and “linked” as used herein is defined as connected,although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. Adevice or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configuredin at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are notlisted. Also, the sequence of steps in a flow diagram or elements in theclaims, even when preceded by a letter does not imply or require thatsequence.

1. The invention as described herein.